Word
cheeky
US/ˈtʃiki/
UK/tʃˈiːki/
Definitions
01playfully rude
B1 · Intermediate British English · Informal
adj. being slightly rude or bold, but in a way that is funny or charming rather than truly mean.
adj. impudent or impertinent in a manner that is perceived as amusing, endearing, or harmlessly bold.
“The boy gave his teacher a cheeky grin after making a joke in class.”
“His cheeky response to the interviewer's serious question managed to break the tension and win over the panel.”
Usage
Often used to describe children or playful adults.
Antonyms
02a quick treat
B2 · Upper Intermediate British English · Informal
adj. used to describe something you enjoy as a small, often unhealthy treat, usually done quickly or without planning.
adj. denoting an indulgence or treat, often consumed spontaneously or when one perhaps should not.
“We decided to go for a cheeky burger on the way home from the gym.”
“After a long week of dieting, she treated herself to a cheeky glass of wine while finishing her book.”
Usage
Commonly collocates with food and drink items like 'pint', 'Nando's', or 'snack'.
Etymology
From cheek + -y. Compare typologically barefaced, bald-faced; Italian sfacciato (< Latin ex- + faciēs); French effronté, Italian sfrontato (< Latin ex- + frons), Polish czelny (< czoło).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
01. cheeky monkey
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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